Creamy Lump Crab and Corn Dip

Beer Cheese Dip

Why go out when you can whip up the pub favorite at home? Seasoned with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, horseradish and Worcestershire, this hot and spicy dip is guaranteed to warm up your guests on even the coldest of days. Get the recipe

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Smoked Gouda and Herb Puffs

These bite-sized balls of smoked, cheesy, herby goodness are the perfect appetizer for a dinner or cocktail party. Just be careful: They're so addictive that it's impossible to eat just one or two (or three)! Get the recipe

Southern Fried Stuffing Balls

HGTV's Meg Caswell, host of Meg's Great Rooms, shares this recipe that can be made with or without sausage. To kick up the flavor, Meg recommends adding crumbled bacon and serving them with cranberry dipping sauce made by pureeing a can of cranberry sauce with a splash of orange juice until creamy. Get the recipe

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Maple Chili Popcorn

Food Network's Jeff Mauro of The Sandwich King shares this endlessly munchable spicy-meets-sweet recipe that's great as both a light snack before a big holiday meal and for filling cellophane favor bags that guests can enjoy later. Make several batches a day or two before your get-together then store the popcorn in an airtight container. Get the recipe

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Courtesy Kelsey Nixon

Goat Cheese Quesadillas

Top flour tortillas with creamy goat cheese and guava jam for a crowd-pleasing starter that can be made in minutes. Get the recipe

Nut-Crusted Brie With Cherry Chutney

Almonds, pecans and walnuts add a crunchy finish to toasty, gooey Brie. Serve with our tangy cherry chutney for an appetizer that's sure to wow your guests. Get the recipe

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Chile and Lime Roasted Cashews

Ancho chile and chipotle peppers give fresh roasted cashews just the right amount of heat. Serve the nuts hot out of the oven for a real treat. Get the recipe

Blackened Tuna Bites

Tempt health-conscious guests with these sushi-inspired appetizers that get their "heat" from a healthy topping of wasabi or hot sauce. Get the recipe

Ropa Vieja Mini Tacos

With two types of chiles, these spicy steak mouthfuls are sure to warm up guests coming in from the cold. Cut down on prep time by making the tasty filling ingredients a day or two ahead of time then stuffing mini taco shells right before guests arrive. Get the recipe

Classic Cheese Fondue

Always a party favorite, cheese fondue can be made hours before serving. Serve with crunchy veggies and crusty bread. Get the recipe

Savory Focaccia

Freshly roasted garlic cloves, olive oil and rosemary sprigs give this tasty Italian favorite its signature flavor. Have a batch in the oven when guests arrive to fill the house with a tempting, herbal aroma. Get the recipe

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Fried Camembert

Take gooey fried cheese to the next level with Camembert and truffles. Sophisticated and oh so yummy, this quick and easy starter is sure to please even the pickiest of palettes. Get the recipe

Photo By: Stefano Gargiulo

Bruschetta With Caramelized Dates, Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Whipping up bruschetta appetizers is a snap. Just toast a fresh baguette then top the slices with a soft cheese, like chevre, and any combination of savory ingredients like caramelized dates, spicy red pepper jelly, finely chopped pistachios or crumbled bacon. Get the recipe

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Carrot-Ginger Soup

Fire up guests' appetites with shot glasses filled with this spicy vegetarian soup. Get the recipe

Spicy Cheese Straws

No fall or winter party is complete without the classic cheese straw. A savory combination of butter and cheese gets an added kick from cayenne pepper, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or hearty snack. Get the recipe